Real Madrid have reportedly identified Manchester City's Rodri as a top transfer target.
Rodri has made 257 competitive appearances since joining Man City from Atletico Madrid in June 2019, chipping in with 26 goals and 30 assists.
The Spain international has helped Man City win four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two EFL Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Rodri also played a key role in Spain's success at Euro 2024, starting six of the seven matches in Germany to help his side win the European Championship for the fourth time.
As a result of his performances over the past year, Rodri has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award alongside Man City teammates Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Ruben Dias.
© Imago
Real Madrid eyeing Rodri move
Not only had Rodri impressed the Ballon d'Or organisers, he also caught the attention of the reigning European champions Real Madrid.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid have made the Man City midfielder a priority target for next summer's transfer window.
The report claims that Rodri could be tempted by the opportunity to return to his home city despite having a contract with the Citizens until June 2027.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Man City were set to offer Rodri a new bumper contract in a bid to ward off interest from Los Blancos.
There is a belief that Rodri would not consider joining another club other than Real Madrid, leaving him to decide whether to renew his deal with Man City or opt for a fresh challenge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
© Reuters
Why do Real Madrid want to sign Rodri?
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti can already call upon several top-quality midfield options, including Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric.
However, Los Blancos are still keen to strengthen their engine room following the retirement of Toni Kroos earlier this summer.
The Germany international was an integral part of the Real Madrid midfield, possessing the ability to dictate games with his technical quality, in-game intelligence and passing range.
There are also a possibility that Real Madrid could bid farewell to another experienced head next summer, with Modric out of contract at the end of the 2024-25 season.
If Real Madrid were to lose Modric and Kroos in back-to-back summer windows, Rodri could prove to be the perfect signing to add to the talented midfielders that Ancelotti already has at his disposal.
